Access to Information Online Requests Expanded

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, announced today that more federal organizations are now a part of the Access to Information and Privacy Online Request tool.

The online Access to Information and Privacy request tool has been expanded to include seven additional federal organizations. These include Transport Canada; the Department of Justice; the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada; Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada; and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

In the first 10 months since the tool was launched almost 21,000 requests have been submitted using this option.

This online tool makes it easier to submit access to information and privacy requests. Instead of printing, scanning and mailing forms to these departments, individuals can now simply submit their requests online. Requestors can also securely pay the application fee for their access to information request online using a credit card, further simplifying the process.

Quick Facts

14 departments and agencies are now taking part in this online initiative.

By April 2014 it is anticipated that 23 or more institutions, accounting for over 80 per cent of all access to information and privacy requests submitted to the Government of Canada, will be using the tool.

This initiative is part of the modernization of the administration of access to information, one of the commitments of Canada's Open Government Action Plan.

Quotes

"Through face-to-face and online consultations, Canadians have been vocal about their desire to move to an online procedure for submitting these types of requests. Our Government has been working diligently to provide that option to them. This tool demonstrates our commitment to openness, transparency, and Canadians' right of access to information."